Post-Gazette Sports Network: Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react the NFL Week 18 victory against the Baltimore Ravens that clinched the AFC North division and a home NFL playoffs game. Is coach Mike Tomlin's team proving its resilience in the closing weeks of the season and positioning itself as a dangerous foe for the postseason? Has Aaron Rodgers' veteran influence been evident, particularly on offense with names like Kenneth Gainwell, Calvin Austin III, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and others? And what T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and the defense show in overcoming three long touchdown passes from Ravens QB Lamar Jackson? Our duo tackles those questions and ponders what the return of receiver DK Metcalf could mean for Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jonnu Smith and the rest of the pass catching group ahead of the wild-card playoff game against the Houston Texans next Monday night at Acrisure Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the NFL Week 18 victory that clinched the AFC North title and a date with the Houston Texans to start the NFL playoffs next week. How much credit does QB Aaron Rodgers deserve for a clutch fourth quarter that included a game-winning touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III? Especially in the absence of top receiver DK Metcalf? How did Kenneth Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren and the rest of the offense overcome multiple long touchdowns from Lamar Jackson and the Ravens? What happened to Jalen Ramsey, Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and the defense on some of those long scores for Zay Flowers and the Ravens offense? And what are this team's chances vs. C.J. Stroud and Houston next week? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 18 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. This show is presented by FanDuel. Was coach Mike Tomlin's team able to come through and win the AFC North to earn a spot in the NFL playoffs? Was QB Aaron Rodgers able to overcome the absence of receiver DK Metcalf and tight end Darnell Washington and put up points alongside names like Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Calvin Austin III, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith? How well were Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Joey Porter Jr, Jalen Ramsey and the defense able to contain Derrick Henry and the Ravens offense? And how did T.J. Watt look in his return from his collapsed lung? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko preview the team's crucial Week 18 matchup vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Could this be the last ride for legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers? Or is there a chance he comes back to play another season? If he does, do we expect that to be with the Steelers? What improvements can he make over last week's debacle against the Cleveland Browns? How much will another DK Metcalf absence affect the Steelers offense? Christopher and Brian also break down some keys to the game. Is there anything more important Sunday night than stopping Ravens running back Derrick Henry? How does the complexion of the game change with Lamar Jackson back in at quarterback instead of Tyler Huntley? And how much is that game plan affected by whether T.J. Watt will play? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Jason Mackey and Colin Beazley break down the latest rumors behind GM Ben Cherington's pursuit of free agent Kazuma Okamoto. What are Jason and Colin hearing? Could the Pirates really be making another splash on the open market? Or will the Japanese star sign with one of the various other teams interested in his services? Would the signing make sense? Do Jason and Colin think it could really happen? Our duo tackles those topics, then discusses the best Pirates of the quarter-century as 2026 gets underway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Post-Gazette's King Jemison breaks down the storylines surrounding the Penguins' current three-game win streak, their longest since October. Which players have sparked this recent good run of form? How has Blake Lizotte's return from injury helped the team? How key was the penalty kill from names like Lizotte, Connor Dewar and Noel Acciari in Thursday's overtime win over the Red Wings? How sweet was it for Kris Letang to get the winning goal in his 1,200th NHL game? King also talks about the Penguins named to their home countries' Olympic rosters. Can Sidney Crosby captain Canada to a goal medal? Or will Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell play spoiler for Team Sweden? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates and FanDuel, host King Jemison and Paul Zeise look ahead to Sunday's AFC North championship game between the Steelers and Ravens. What would be better for the Steelers — losing and seeing real change in the organization, or winning the AFC North? Plus, what concerns do we have about T.J. Watt's return and the offense without DK Metcalf and Darnell Washington? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of The PG Penguins Show, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette insiders King Jemison and Jason Mackey look on a busy 2025 for the Penguins. What were some of the biggest storylines of the year? Tristan Jarry is out and Stuart Skinner is in. Is this team leaving 2025 better than they were at the start of the year? We also, of course, talked some about the current winning streak. Later, we look ahead to a fascinating 2026 for the Penguins. First, some talk about the Yegor Chinakhov trade and what we thought. Then, we chat about the team's playoff chances, whether they'll make a big trade and the players representing their country at the Olympics including Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the PG Pitt Show, presented by FanDuel, host Stephen Thompson covers Pitt's rebounding problems and why there’s really no solution to them. That's bad news for the Panthers, because the outcome of essentially every game moving forward will be determined by a number of different factors, rebounding included. They know what they need to do, but aren’t capable of doing it. Thompson looks ahead at Clemson, which poses a tough matchup with its rebounding ability and 3-point defense. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to assess Aaron Rodgers' play at QB this year. Does he deserve the "inconsistent" label after his latest performance against the Browns? Can his personnel plausibly be blamed with DK Metcalf absent? Or did should Rodgers still have been expected to do more with Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Pat Friermuth, Scotty Miller and others available as options? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks defense. How close is the unit to living up to Mike Tomlin's preseason expectations that it be "historic." What's the biggest factor in the turnaround over the past month? Is Derrick Harmon the simple answer? Or is it more complicated than that. How much credit do Tomlin and DC Teryl Austin deserve for the secondary, which has shined with an ensemble cast that includes Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., James Pierre, Brandin Echols, Asante Samuel Jr. and Kyle Dugger? And how many offenses remain in the AFC playoff picture that could pose problems for this group? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Awards season has begun, and as we turn our attention to 2026, our WPIAL insiders Keith Barnes and Mike White hand out the first-ever VXies, honoring the top players, teams, coaches, performances and upsets in the 2025 calendar year! To keep things interesting, the two only knew of the categories and made their own selections separate from each other. . So grab some popcorn and check out the Varsity XTra Podcast, sponsored by Dave & Busters! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise ponders the coaching matchup in the Steelers' NFL Week 18 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens that will decide the AFC North. Are the Steelers' Mike Tomlin and the Ravens' John Harbaugh coaching for their jobs in this one? Should the loser be fired for missing the playoffs? And who will be the bigger disappointment if they lose? Tomlin with major roster additions including Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey Jonnu Smith and others. And stars like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward toward the ends of their careers? Or Harbaugh with an MVP candidate at QB in Lamar Jackson and an all-time great running back like Derrick Henry. Paul tackles those questions and more. Then gives his thoughts on Tomlin's weekly news conference. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap coach Mike Tomlin's weekly news conference ahead of an NFL Week 18 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens that will decide the AFC North. They explain that Calvin Austin III, T.J. Watt, James Pierre, Isaac Seumalo and Brandin Echols are all trending in positive directions on the injury front but that Watt, at least, may be limited in terms of snap count. They also ponder ways OC Arthur Smith can boost the offense after an ugly outing in Week 17 against the Browns. Could we see QB Aaron Rodgers attempt to use a higher tempo to keep the Ravens off-balance in the absence of DK Metcalf? Will the play calls be more sensible on crucial downs? And will RB Kenneth Gainwell be more involved without having Myles Garrett to worry about on the blocking front? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to look ahead to the team's NFL Week 18 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens that will determine the AFC North race. Will T.J. Watt be available for coach Mike Tomlin's defense with the season on the line? Or will DC Teryl Austin need to rely on Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig at outside linebacker onces again? And if so, are those guys ready for the challenge of slowing elite Ravens running back Derrick Henry? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks offense. How can OC Arthur Smith and QB Aaron Rodgers get more out of the unit than we saw last week against the Browns? Especially with DK Metcalf and possibly Darnell Washington out of action? Can they compensate with personnel like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, Pat Freiermuth and others? And get RBs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell more involved? For more sports, visit post-gazette.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson breaks down some topics regarding the Panthers' basketball team as it heads into its ACC opener on Tuesday night. Can Jeff Capel's team get off to a good start in the ACC? Or was their precarious non-conference performance a sign of trouble to come in the league? Can Pitt keep Ernest Udeh Jr. and Malik Reneau off the glass? Stephen also checks in on the state of the ACC as a whole. Which teams have started the season well? Is Duke a national title contender? Have new coaches like Ryan Odom at Virginia and Will Wade at NC State given their teams a lift? And could this be a sign that more teams from the conference will get into the NCAA tournament? Stephen tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers' NFL Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. He gives his thoughts on whether he feels coach Mike Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, QB Aaron Rodgers and the offense focused too closely on stopping Myles Garrett from breaking T.J. Watt's single-season sack record, at the expense of productivity. He also gives his reasons for why players including Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell had ineffective days in the absence of DK Metcalf despite the Browns entering the game with a lousy record. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson breaks down some topics surrounding the Panthers football team and its recent coaching changes. What went into Pat Narduzzi selecting Cory Sanders as Pitt's new defensive coordinator, replacing the retiring Randy Bates? Will anything change with Sanders at the helm of that unit? How much will the team miss Ryan Manalac, who became the defensive coordinator at UConn? Should he have been the choice instead? And who are some names to watch to backfill the vacant jobs? Maybe Mickey Jacobs from Duquesne? Stephen tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host King Jemison breaks down a slew of topics following the Penguins' 7-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday evening. What things changed for the Penguins in a positive start after the holiday break? How were Brazeau, Bryan Rust, Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari able to take advantage of scoring opportunities? How will the second line be affected by the eventual return of Evgeni Malkin? Was a better game from Arturs Silovs a sign of things to come? And what can coach Dan Muse get from the emerging blue-line pairing of Ryan Shea and Jack St. Ivany? King tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the NFL Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Was QB Aaron Rodgers locked in on the wrong receivers with DK Metcalf out amid his suspension? Should names like Scotty Miller, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen be getting the ball as much as they did? Why wasn't Pat Freiermuth in the game more despite proving he's one of the team's better playmakers? Where were RBs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell? And can OC Arthur Smith turn the passing game struggles around in time for Week 18, when the Steelers will face the Ravens in a winner-take-all game for the AFC North title? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders the team's run defense. Was yet another solid outing from the guys up front proof that this unit is ready to face Derrick Henry with the season on the line? To what extent can key players like Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen and others slow him down? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On a special solo edition of Serving Up Pitt, Post-Gazette Pitt insider Abby Schnable gives a postmortem on the Panthers' volleyball team's season after their fifth straight Final Four loss and answers reader questions about the upcoming year. This show is presented by Fanduel. What were Abby's top takeaways from the season? How should this version of Dan Fisher's team be remembered? What led to the massive growth from the beginning of the season to the end of it? Does Olivia Babcock even have a ceiling? Which players stepped up, including names like Marina Pezelj and Blaire Bayless? Abby then answers some fan questions. What was with the constant shuffling with the team's liberos? What went wrong in the Final Four? Why did Ryla Jones enter the transfer portal? And where does Izzy Starck fit in? Abby tackles those topics, then looks ahead to 2026. Is that finally the year the Panthers break through and win a national title? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo react to the NFL Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Back Field. What went wrong for coach Mike Tomlin in his latest loss to a team with a bad record? Why was OC Arthur Smith's unit unable to overcome the absence of receiver DK Metcalf? What does it mean for the AFC North winner-take-all game against the Ravens next week that Aaron Rodgers struggled so much in the passing game alongside pass catches including Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scotty Miller, Adam Thielen, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Pat Freiermuth? What the latest on TE Darnell Washington's injury? And how much credit do Cam Heyward, Jack Sawyer, Kyle Dugger, Jalen Ramsey and the defense deserve for keeping the team in the game despite the absence of T.J. Watt? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 17 with the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. This show is presented by FanDuel. Was coach Mike Tomlin's team able to clinch the AFC North with a victory? Or will the season come down to a winner-take-all matchup with the Ravens in Week 18? How did Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Darnell Washington and the offense navigate the absence of DK Metcalf following his suspension? Was Pat Freiermuth more involved? Were Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer, Jalen Ramsey and the defense able to dominate in run defense again? And how much was the pass rush able to disrupt Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders without T.J. Watt? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson breaks down the Panthers' 23-17 loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. What were the key's to Pitt's loss? How can Mason Heintschel, Ja'Kyrian Turner and the offense limit the turnovers? What positives can be taken away on the defensive side of the ball? Will Rasheem Biles continue to be a game wrecker for the Panthers? And why can't Pat Narduzzi win bowl games for Pitt? What goes into his poor record in the postseason? And where does this rank among some of his worst losses? Stephen tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko preview the NFL Week 17 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. How will OC Arthur Smith and QB Aaron Rodgers navigate their first game without receiver DK Metcalf this season? Can names like Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Roman Wilson and others step up? And what role with tight ends like Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington play in the passing game? Our duo tackles those questions and ponders ways coach Mike Tomlin may handle rest vs. rust if the Steelers have the AFC North clinched for their next two games before the playoffs. They also make their picks for the Steelers' first game against Browns starter Shedeur Sanders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insiders Stephen Thompson and Abby Schnable preview the Panthers' upcoming Military Bowl matchup with East Carolina. Who's in for Pitt and who is out? Will they be affected by recent transfers like Juelz Goff, Jackson Brown and Zion Fowler-El? What about like stars like Desmond Reid and Kyle Louis, who recently declared for the NFL draft? Will Rasheem Biles play? And if he does, is that an indicator he'll return to Pat Narduzzi's program in 2026? Our duo tackles those topics and more, plus gives their picks, predictions and matchups to watch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado sort through coaching staff news as new coach Matt Campbell assembles his lieutenants in Happy Valley. What's next in the DC search after news that Jon Heacock -- Campbell's DC at Iowa State -- is retiring and that incumbent DC Jim Knowles is moving on? Does USC DC and Penn State letterman D'Anton Lynn make the most sense? What kind of impact will new receivers coach Noah Pauley have on the position group that struggled late in James Franklin's tenure as coach? Can He recreate the magic Penn State had with names like Allen Robinson, KJ Hamler and Jahan Dotson earlier in the Franklin era? Does Taylor Mouser have enough experience to be an effective OC at a top Big Ten program? And what impact will the departure of lettermen Ty Howle and Deion Barnes, plus the retention of former QB Trace McSorley have on the staff? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Isaiah Maldonado discuss the big topics surrounding the Pinstripe Bowl matchup with Clemson. This show is presented by FanDuel. How important is a victory against a peer program for interim coach Terry Smith and incoming coach Matt Campbell as they look to rebuild from James Franklin's firing? Is this an audition game for QB Ethan Grunkemeyer with 2026 starting candidates including Rocco Becht and Beau Pribula in the transfer portal? Is it surprising that Kaytron Allen has not opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL as teammate Nick Singleton has? And what should we make of the relative lack of opt-outs and transfer portal defections for this game beyond names like Zane Durant, Zakee Wheatley, Chaz Coleman and Elliott Washington? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Christopher Carter to discuss Joey Porter Jr.'s value at cornerback Did his efforts on a busy day against Jared Goff, Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and the dangerous Detroit Lions offense show that he's one of the most important pieces on defense? Should his re-signing be a top offseason priority for coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan? And how does he rank in a loaded 2023 draft class that includes contributors like Nick Herbig, Broderick Jones, Darnell Washington and Keeanu Benton? Our duo tackles those questions; the performance of other secondary members including Jalen Ramsey, Chuck Clark and Brandin Echols; and OC Arthur Smith's receiving options amid WR DK Metcalf's suspension. Are Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Pat Freiermuth, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell prepared to step up? Or will life be tougher for them without Metcalf to challenge defenses? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's the holiday season and our Post-Gazette high school sports insiders Mike White and Keith Barnes are doing some WPIAL gift-giving! Among the recipients: about 15 girls basketball teams, outgoing PIAA executive director Bob Lombardi, WPIAL executive director Scott Seltzer and something for every high school coach in the area. There is even a song from Mike to get your holiday off to a fun start, as well as predictions of key basketball games coming up. So grab some hot cocoa, nestle in by the fire and check out this week's Varsity Xtra podcast, sponsored by Dave & Busters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live around 5 p.m., Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise analyzes the impact the Steelers' recent winning streak should have on how coach Mike Tomlin is viewed. This show is presented by FanDuel. Should it silence his many critics for the time being? Or is an NFL playoffs victory the only thing that could satisfy them? How much credit does he deserve for the offensive turnaround under OC Arthur Smith? From passing success with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and others. To improved rushing capabilities with Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren behind the improved offensive line? And how legit is the defense's recent success? Paul tackles those questions, then analyzes Tomlin's role in the defense, which has found late-season success behind star including Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and others. Despite the loss of T.J. Watt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley react to news that the Pirates have signed outfielder Ryan O'Hearn to a two-year contract worth nearly $30 million. How much better does O'Hearn make a lineup that struggled in 2025 for manager Don Kelly and GM Ben Cherington? Coupled with the trades for Brandon Lowe and Jhostynxon García, do the Pirates have the power they need to compete in MLB's National League Central alongside incumbent sluggers like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds? And to what degree does this deal signal intent from owner Bob Nutting to spend on supporting the team around Cy Young winner Paul Skenes? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's practice Tuesday at its South Side facility, where coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly news conference. What did Tomlin have to say about DK Metcalf, who was suspended for two games for his altercation with a fan Sunday in Detroit? What is the team expecting from Metcalf's appeal, which will take place Tuesday evening in front of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell? Is this an opportunity for Roman Wilson, who has been a healthy scratch lately? Will Calvin Austin III be able to play against the Browns? Would Tomlin sit veterans like Aaron Rodgers and Cam Heyward if the Ravens lose to the Packers on Sunday, rendering the Steelers-Browns moot? Why were they so good on third downs in Detroit? And why is Tomlin being more aggressive on fourth downs? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insiders Colin Beazley and Jason Mackey ponder what's next for the club this MLB offseason following the acquisition of Brandon Lowe in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays last week. This show is presented by FanDuel. What are Jason's thoughts on the deal itself, and where GM Ben Cherington and manager Don Kelly should deploy Lowe defensively? What are the implications for incumbent infielders Nick Gonzales, Jared Triolo and others? And who should Cherington set his sights on next in the trade market and MLB free agency? Is Eugenio Suarez the obvious fit at third base? Is Cody Bellinger a realistic option? What about Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto our OF Harrison Bader as offensive support for pitching stars Bubba Chandler and Paul Skenes? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson welcomes Stephen Igoe of 247Sports' Hoist the Colours to preview the Military Bowl between the Panthers and East Carolina. Igoe recaps the Pirates' season. How did they live up to expectations amid a pretty tough schedule? How will they stand up in this bowl game after losing names like defensive coordinator John David Baker, offensive coordinator Josh Aldridge and starting QB Katin Houser? How will they plug the gaps on offense? Thompson and Igoe give their predictions for the game. Which team will win? Will it be a close, exciting cap to both teams' seasons? How did East Carolina fans react to their Military Bowl draw? And what will we learn about these two programs by the time it's done? The duo answers those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Tuesday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel, host Noah Hiles welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo to react to receiver DK Metcalf's two-game suspension for an altercation with a fan last week in Detroit. Was the suspension length fair? What impact will it have on OC Arthur Smith, QB Aaron Rodgers and pass catchers including Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Calvin Austin III, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington? And could Metcalf's absence ultimately cost the Steelers the AFC North title and a playoff spot? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders how coach Mike Tomlin and key players including Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer, Keeanu Benton and others have improved the team's run defense. Even in the absence of T.J. Watt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson recaps the Panthers' 80-46 win over cross-state rival Penn State on Sunday afternoon. How was Pitt, which had been struggling previously, able to dominate the Nittany Lions so thoroughly? Why were they more connected on both sides of the floor? Was the performance a sign of things to come from Roman Siulepa? And did it provide a blueprint for success for Jeff Capel as the team enters ACC play? Is Pitt still figuring out how its pieces fit together, with names like Damarco Minor, Barry Dunning Jr. and Cam Corhen still figuring out how to jell? Why have none of their preseason expectations come to fruition? And what is their ceiling? Stephen tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider Jason Mackey recaps an eventful weekend for the team, during which Sidney Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux as their all-time leading points scorer. What was it like being at PPG Paints Arena for that moment? What were the emotions for Crosby, his teammates, his coaches and the fans in the building? How can we step back and appreciate the connection, respect and history between those two icons of the Penguins franchise? What did we learn from the Penguins' losing streak, which mercifully ended on Sunday night against the Montreal Canadiens? Can Crosby's record-breaking performance spur them on to better performances? And why should we dismiss common hot takes currently surrounding the team, like second guessing the Tristan Jarry trade or calls to fire Dan Muse? Jason tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to an NFL Week 16 victory against the Detroit Lions. Did coach Mike Tomlin's team prove it is built for late-season and NFL playoffs success after beating the potent Lions offense led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown? Why were Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer, Derrick Harmon, Cam Heyward and the run defense able to have so much success against Gibbs? How much of a strength is the running game becoming on offense. With Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell finding huge holes even behind a patchwork offensive line? And is this an identity that can be maintained in the coming weeks? Our duo tackles those questions, then ponders DK Metcalf's altercation with a fan in the stands at Ford Field. Could the NFL suspend him? And if so, what impact would that have on QB Aaron Rodgers and a passing game that's hit its stride the past few weeks with names like Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Scotty Miller in the mix? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo recap the NFL Week 16 victory against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Is coach Mike Tomlin's team a legit AFC playoff threat after taking down Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and a desperate Lions team? What was working for OC Arthur Smith's unit, led by QB Aaron Rodgers; RBs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell; WRs Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller and DK Metcalf; and TE Darnell Washington? And how much praise do Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and the defense deserve for limiting the Lions' potent offense? Especially in the absence of T.J. Watt? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Adam Bittner and Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise react LIVE to the Steelers' NFL Week 16 with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. This show is presented by FanDuel. Were Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth and the offense able to maintain momentum for OC Arthur Smith? How did Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer and the outside linebackers manage with T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig both out injured? And how did Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and the rest of coach Mike Tomlin's defense deal with Detroit's numerous playmakers, including Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Good? Our duo tackles those questions and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the Saturday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by FanDuel and Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Brian Batko preview the team's Sunday 4:25 p.m. game against the Detroit Lions. Can the Steelers defense hold up against the Lions' high-scoring offense? Will Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer be able to get pressure on Jared Goff with T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig's availability in doubt due to injury? Will Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. and the secondary be able to force turnovers? And will the return of Derrick Harmon help to slow down Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and the Lions' high-powered rushing attack? Our duo tackles those topics and more, plus gives their keys to a Steelers win and some predictions for the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pirates insider Colin Beazley welcomes Noah Hiles to react to the news that the Pirates traded for Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery from the Tampa Bay Rays while sending Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros. Is this a good deal for Pirates GM Ben Cherington? Will Lowe and Mangum improve the lineup? Where will they slot in in the lineup and on the field? What might manager Don Kelly choose to do with Montgomery? Will the Pirates rotation miss Burrows? And does this signal even more moves ahead for the Pirates as they navigate a crucial offseason? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider Jason Mackey and King Jemison talk about the reported sale of the team from Fenway Sports Group to the Hoffmann Family of Companies, plus the team's seven-game losing streak and some potential lineup changes to fix it. What do we know, and what don't we know? Did anything change from a few months ago when rumors of a sale slowed down? Why did FSG want to sell? What went into the sale price? What needs to happen for the deal to get across the finish line? And what do we know about the Hoffmann family and how they might choose to run the Penguins? Should Kris Letang get less minutes or less responsibility on the blue line? Is it time to break up the top line of Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell? Should Ben Kindel go back on the top power play unit in place of Anthony Mantha? Are the goalie issues fixable? How much should Stuart Skinner play? Should Sergei Murashov be his backup for a while? And how busy will Kyle Dubas be for more potential trades as the season goes on? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Pitt insider Stephen Thompson previews the Panthers' upcoming matchup with cross-state rival Penn State. What are the keys to success for Jeff Capel's team? Can they keep up with Penn State's top recruit, Kayden Mingo? Will the Nittany Lions' strong shooting challenge Pitt's lackluster perimeter defense? And can the Panthers stay out of foul trouble? Stephen also makes the case for freshman Kieran Mullen to get more minutes in the Pitt frontcourt. Is there an opportunity in front of him? And how can his screening and potential rebounding and rim protection help the Panthers? Stephen tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host King Jemison welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to talk about the state of the Pitt basketball program under coach Jeff Capel. How is Paul feeling about the direction of the program in general after a rough start to the season, which included losses to Quinnipiac and Hofstra? Could AD Allen Greene move on from Capel if this year continues on this trajectory? Or could Capel get another chance, with a top-level recruiting class coming in next season? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host King Jemison welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to discuss a number of topics surrounding the Steelers ahead of their 4:25 p.m. Sunday contest against the Detroit Lions. Where would Aaron Rodgers rank among the rest of the quarterbacks in the playoffs? Is he in that upper tier alongside names like Josh Allen and Justin Herbert? Or is he closer to names like Trevor Lawrence? What about his divisional foe Lamar Jackson? And what about relative newcomers having great seasons, like Drake Maye and Bo Nix? King and Paul then discuss the Steelers' wide receiver situation. Are the signings of names like Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling a bad omen for the team's future at the position? Is that the beginning of the end for someone like Roman Wilson? And where does Calvin Austin III fit into that equation? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo report from the team's practice facility ahead of its NFL Week 16 matchup with the Detroit Lions. Gerry and Ray identified getting pressure on Lions QB Jared Goff as one of the main keys to victory, so how will Jack Sawyer fare, as he's in line to start if T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig can't go due to injury? How would a good pass rush affect the game? Could DeMarvin Leal and Jeremiah Moon get involved? How will Derrick Harmon help the run defense against David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs? Is the secondary finding its footing with Asante Samuel Jr.? And what would a win here tell us about this team? Would it change the narrative heading into the postseason? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host King Jemison welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise to talk about Penn State football and the direction of the program under new coach Matt Campbell. What are Paul's thoughts on the hire in general and the state of the program? Has Campbell done well to settle the ship after the midseason firing of James Franklin? Did AD Pat Kraft and the Penn State administration bungle the search by not having a concrete plan in place? Did they luck into Campbell? Will Campbell be held to the extremely high standards Franklin was? And how important was it to keep Terry Smith on the staff as an assistant, or was that more ceremonial to reward him for the job he did as interim head coach? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his weekly Chipped Ham & Football podcast, presented by FanDuel, Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko welcomes Ray Fittipaldo to look ahead at the rest of the season and into next year. Are the Steelers finding potential puzzle pieces for next season in guys on one-year deals like Kenneth Gainwell and Asante Samuel Jr.? Is Dylan Cook carving out a real, meaningful role for himself in Broderick Jones' absence? Will Andrus Peat and James Pierre still have their jobs when they return from injury? And how does all this affect Omar Khan's draft strategy? Would he have drafted Kaleb Johnson if he had known Gainwell would be this effective? Brian and Ray then move on to talk about Sunday's matchup with the Detroit Lions. How will the edge rusher depth be tested, with T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig's availability in question? How will they be able to stop names like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Amon-Ra St. Brown? Will Derrick Harmon help in that capacity? And how might Mike Tomlin handle a potentially meaningless Week 17 game vs. Cleveland with the really important matchup vs. Baltimore on the horizon? Our duo tackles those topics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Post-Gazette Penguins insider Jason Mackey and King Jemison recap the Penguins' horrific homestand and look at where the team goes from here. Does this recent run of bad play change the outlook on the season? What was the worst moment? Which blown lead was most improbable? Will those dropped points come back to bite the team in the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Jason and King also take a look at the Penguins' new goalie rotation. Who should get the majority of the starts? What's the plan for Stuart Skinner, who lost his first start Tuesday night against Tristan Jarry, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers? Is Arturs Silovs ready to shoulder more responsibility? And what about rookie Sergei Murashov? Our duo answers those questions, plus talks about Sidney Crosby approaching Mario Lemieux's all-time points record. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.